The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-05
THE TALLY-sHEHT PORGERs.

The spirit in which the investigation of the
Criminal Court augurs well for the cause of
justice. The whole course of the investiga-
ton thus far is an interesting illustration of
the operation of an aroused and outraged pub
lie sentiment. 1t was the first time in the
history of the city that it's people were con-
fronted wi til bold and palpable outrage of
the sort. Whatever may have been charged,
or suspected, or attempted before, this is the
first time that case of high-handed fraud,
successfully perpetrated, has been brought to
the knowledge of the people. In this case
the fact of the crime was so plain that no per-
son could doubt it, the only question being
as to who perpetrated it 1t is creditable to the
community that the fraud was no sooner dis
covered and established than there arose an
earnest demand for a judicial investigation.
1t was felt that the law had been violated. and
crime committed which public justice and
the public welfare demanded should be pun
iJhed. The movement to this end was prompt
and vigorous, and the public sentiment
behind it has been growing stronger from that
time to the present. It was non-partisan
movement, embracing leading Democrats, as
well as Republicans, and to their credit, be it
said, the question of partisan politics has not
been permitted to enter the case
At first the movement was, by a
certain class of politicians, laughed at
then decried, then denounced, but it con-
| tinued and at last they came to fear it. Amid
| considerable abuse, but with a constantly
increasing measure of public approval and
support, the committee of one hundred kept
at its work. A hard fight has been made, and
every inch of ground has been contested.
Without recalling past stages Of the con-
test, in which justice came so near being de-
feated, it is enough to say that there is now
a grand jury whose jurisdiction is unques-
toned and has instructions to make thorough
and searching investigation of the case.
Judge Twins instructions are strong and to
the point, and there is reason to believe the
jury will do its duty. This is what the pub
lie expects and the interests of the community
demand. 1t is not question of party poll
tics, nor of Office holding, but of something
far above and beyond this. It is question
of the sacredness of the ballot and the safety
of popular government In the face Of such a
crime as was perpetrated here last November
all questions Of mere party politics sink into
insignifcance, and justice and patriotism call
upon honest men, irrespective of party, te
unite in bringing the criminals to punishment
We do not ask that anybody be prosecuted
but simply that justice be done. Election
frauds have become alarmingly bold and
frequent in recent years. 1t is time fo
!. honest men to combine and put an end t.
them. Popular government is a farce if sucl
things are permitted to 60 unpublished. TIL,
man who steals a hog or fires an clubhouse il
sent to the penitentiary. The one who forge
tally-sheet and vitiates popular election il
incomparably worse criminal. We do no
know nor care how the grand jury is composed
politically. That is of no consequence
There is no politics in the case. We assum
that the jury is composed of honest men
who will do their duty. This much we as
and expect in behalf of public justice an
an outraged community.